Samsung on Wednesday unveiled its Galaxy S26 smartphone lineup at a launch event in California, highlighting artificial intelligence as the core feature driving the new devices rather than incremental upgrades in speed or display brightness.
The South Korean technology company introduced the Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra models, saying the series is designed around proactive AI features that anticipate user needs. TM Roh, president of Samsung’s mobile division, said the goal is to “make technology transparent,” with AI functioning more like a personal assistant than a traditional operating system layer.
At the heart of the S26 series is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy. Samsung said the chip delivers a 19% improvement in CPU performance and a 39% increase in neural processing unit, or NPU, performance compared with the previous generation. The NPU powers many on-device AI features, reducing reliance on cloud processing.
To manage heat generated by the more powerful chip, the Ultra model includes a redesigned vapor chamber intended to improve cooling during intensive gaming or video editing. Samsung also said its Super-Fast Charging 3.0 technology can charge the Ultra model to 75% battery in about 30 minutes. The Ultra supports 60-watt charging, the Plus model 45 watts and the base model 25 watts.
Samsung said it has upgraded its mDNIe image processing engine, claiming four times greater color accuracy than the previous generation. A new ProScaler feature sharpens text and visual details in real time, even when the original content is lower resolution.
One of the new features in the S26 Ultra is a “Privacy Display” mode. When activated, the screen remains clear to the person viewing it directly but appears darkened or unreadable from side angles. Users can configure the feature to activate automatically in sensitive apps such as banking or password entry, with varying levels of protection.
The camera system continues to emphasize computational photography. Samsung said the Ultra model includes a wider aperture to improve low-light performance and an upgraded SuperSteady stabilization feature with horizontal lock for smoother video. The company continues to use similar image sensors to previous models, relying more heavily on software and AI enhancements.
New editing tools under the “Photo Assist” feature allow users to modify images through text prompts, such as changing daytime scenes to nighttime or removing unwanted objects. The AI can also digitally reconstruct missing elements in photos. Samsung did not specify which AI models power these tools but has expanded integration with third-party assistants.
The S26 series introduces contextual features under a tool called “Now Nudge.” For example, if a contact asks for photos from a trip, the phone can automatically surface relevant images ready to send. If a meeting invitation is received, the device can check for scheduling conflicts and suggest adjustments.
Users can choose among multiple AI agents, including Samsung’s Bixby, Google’s Gemini and Perplexity, to perform tasks by voice. Samsung said the assistants can complete multi-step actions inside compatible apps, though functionality depends on third-party app support.
Samsung also announced the Galaxy Buds4 earbuds, which allow users to control the smartphone with head gestures and voice commands. The company pledged seven years of operating system and security updates for the S26 series.
The Galaxy S26 lineup will be available in Israel starting at the end of February in several colors, including purple, black, white and light blue. Customers who pre-order between Feb. 25 and March 11 will receive double storage capacity at no additional cost.
The reporter attended the launch event in San Francisco as a guest of Samsung